Flabeg, a global leader in high-tech glass and mirror applications, announced this week it will locate a facility to manufacture parabolic solar mirrors in Allegheny County.

State investments of $9 million helped a Germany-based company choose Pennsylvania for its first solar mirror production facility in the United States, creating 300 manufacturing jobs. It will be the company’s first U.S. facility of this type.

“This was a very competitive project and Flabeg’s decision to expand operations here shows that the international community continues to take notice of Pennsylvania’s business environment and pioneering clean-energy efforts,” Gov. Rendell said. “With international leaders like Gamesa, Iberdrola, and Conergy already doing business in Pennsylvania, it’s clear that the Commonwealth has established itself as a leader in the development of clean energy solutions.”

“We’ve already created more than 3,000 jobs in the renewable energy industry and leveraged $1 billion in private investment and, with solar energy production growing at an incredible pace and markets continuing to expand, it’s clear that we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg,” the Governor said.

Flabeg plans to lease a 20-acre site in the Clinton Commerce Park in Findlay, and build a 209,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. The building will be constructed in two phases, with the first phase starting this fall. The total investment in both phases of the project is expected to be $30 million.

Flabeg will retain 198 jobs at its other Allegheny County location, in Brackenridge, which manufactures mirror glass for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

“Without the strategic vision and support from Gov. Rendell, Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and their respective staffs, Flabeg would not have made the decision to build this plant in Pennsylvania,” said Charles Johnson, president of Flabeg Solar US Corporation. “Clearly, the Governor's commitment to alternative energy solutions has created a business environment attractive to companies leading the drive for energy independence.”

Pennsylvania provided a $9 million funding offer that included a $1.2 million opportunity grant, $3 million from the machinery and equipment loan fund, a $2 million loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, $1.5 million in Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Program grants, $900,000 in job creation tax credits, and $400,000 in job training assistance.

NewsClip: $30 Million Solar Mirror Plant Planned In Findlay

8/22/2008